CEU’s, Cost VS Benefit?

Yes, another topic relating to money. Sure, money makes the world go ‘round, but when it's MY money, I can be as tight as old Mr. Scrooge. One area that I have to be like Scrooge is when it's time to gain some new knowledge (and add up some required CEU's). Sadly, selecting a course to attend usually has to be considered due to budget restrictions.

When you are looking at attending a continuing education course, do you look at the topic first, or do you look at the cost? Factoring costs also needs to include any travel expenses, lodging, meals, etc. Adding all this up can really make attending any course a big drain on your budget. Some companies do provide a yearly reimbursement of CEU dollars for their employees, but in many cases the amount isn't sufficient to fully satisfy the required hours.

As much as I like to look at the topics first, when it comes to deciding which course to take the total cost is definitely the deciding factor. Beyond the course fee, adding expenses such as hotel, gas, meals, time off work, etc. can really make this a big drain on my budget.

Without enough CEU's every year though, we can no longer practice OT. From the state and national boards we are told how many are CEU's are required. But what happens when the selection of courses available within your budget are quite limited? I know I've had to take some courses that were just a rehash of another course taken in the past just to add up needed CEU hours. Many of the good courses I'd like to take are just too cost prohibitive on my salary. I can understand that the presenter needs to be compensated for their time and travel. Airline tickets and hotel costs have only risen, however we get caught by these increases from both angles. The presenters have to pay more, so we pay higher fees to register for the course. Then we pay for our own travel and stay at the increased rates.

I am glad for the increase of web based sites providing courses. These are quite cost effective, but still remain limited in selection of choices. I also find that every site has similar choices even though the course names may be different. The big thing we miss using this method though, is the sharing of information and ideas with other therapists. I think collaboration between other therapists is just as important as any new learning.

Wrapping up my thoughts here is that the requirement for attending a set amount of CEU's yearly was to benefit our patients. But if we have to limit our learning due to budget guidelines then that benefit can be minimal. If we take a course just to accumulate a few credits then only the presenter has gained.

So what are your thoughts on the CEU requirements? From NBCOT? From your state? Had any experience with web based CEU sites? Share your "thoughts" with our readers, it's easy, no registration required. Again, your ideas will probably be beneficial to others.

Until next time, hope all your thoughts are good,

Tim